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Author: Andrew Kistner

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment for COVID-19 Long Hauler Syndrome

Have you recovered from COVID-19 but find that you are experiencing COVID symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, headaches, memory problems, malaise and/or lethargy? You may be a COVID long hauler! “Wait,” you say, “I only had a mild to moderate case of COVID and I recovered. How can I be a long hauler?”

While mild to moderate COVID-19 lasts about two weeks for most people, there are some individuals who experience lingering symptoms and health problems even after they have recovered from an acute COVID-19 infection. COVID long haulers are individuals who experience lingering COVID symptoms. MIT Technology Review started a study in August of 2020 with “Slack groups and social media are connecting people who’ve never fully recovered from coronavirus to collect data on their condition.” View the CBS News story and video on this MIT Technology Review study here

While certain risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and other conditions may make a person more likely to experience a more severe case of COVID, the link between long-term problems and risk factors remains unclear. Some individuals who experienced a mild case of COVID have also become COVID long haulers. Research suggests that capillary damage and inflammation may contribute to COVID long-hauler symptoms due to interference with blood and tissue oxygenation as well as brain function. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society published a report this year about how COVID-19 related capillary changes affect blood oxygenation. 

The Oxford Center’s Treatment for COVID Symptoms

The Oxford Center in Brighton, Michigan, a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center has had remarkable success in treating the symptoms from COVID-19 Long Hauler Syndrome. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a clinical treatment where the patient breathes 100% pure oxygen while enclosed in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber at a pressure greater than one atmosphere. HBOT has been shown to reduce inflammation, saturate plasma with oxygen, and increase stem cell circulation up to 800% which enhances the body’s ability to heal itself. HBOT treatment is a low-risk way to increase blood oxygen levels by non-invasively increasing the atmospheric pressure of oxygen external to the patient.  

Used regularly as a treatment of a variety of conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning, brain injury or trauma, Lime Disease, Parkinson’s, and non-healing wounds. HBOT is being researched nationally and worldwide as a promising treatment option for the hypoxia and other long-term damage associated with COVID-19. The Oxford Center has had several patients treat through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy that have experienced major improvements in their daily lives. Some patients saw improvements in their taste, smell, reduction in brain fog, decrease in headaches, and more within just a few treatments of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.  

November 2021 Newsletter

A lot is happening at Oxford Recovery Center this fall!

There have been so many incredible changes at Oxford Recovery Center so far this fall. We have been successful in treating Post COVID-19 Long Hauler Syndrome through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, breakthroughs in treating Parkinson’s through the use of Neurofeedback sessions and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, new additions to our medical department, and our stunning 35,000 square-foot building will be completed ahead of schedule! Read more below

Breakthrough Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease

 Oxford Recovery Center has developed a Parkinson’s program with a multi-faceted strategy towards treating Parkinson’s Disease.  ORC has had remarkable success treating patients with Parkinson’s Disease using research based therapies including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Neurofeedback, and Glutathione therapies, to approach treatment from multiple angles.  Our holistic and evidence-based program has helped many patients this year, including Calvin Close.

Calvin spent the month of October with us at ORC and has had many positive changes in his journey with Parkinson’s Disease. Calvin was diagnosed about 18 months ago and immediately started the search for alternative treatments as he was not satisfied with current standard of care for Parkinson’s, which was medication after medication. Calvin participated in 40 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treatments, twice daily Neurofeedback treatments, as well as glutathione injections. In the testimonial video linked above, Calvin talks about what his life was like before treatments at Oxford Recovery Center, and how his life has changed since.

Treating Post COVID-19 Long Hauler Syndrome

COVID-19 can cause long lasting symptoms for those who have recovered from the active virus. Research studies are showing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can help with many COVID Long Hauler symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, headaches, memory problems, malaise/lethargy, and more. Research suggests that capillary damage, inflammation, and low blood oxygen levels may contribute to post COVID symptoms. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been proven to reduce inflammation, saturate plasma with oxygen, and increase stem cell circulation up to 800% which enhances the body’s ability to heal itself. Oxford Recovery Center has helped many people over the last couple of months reduce or even eliminate these long hauler symptoms through the use of HBOT Treatments.

MORE ON COVID-19 LONG HAULER SYNDROME

New Building Project Update

Construction on the state-of-the-art 35,000 sq ft autism center is well under way and is even slightly ahead of schedule. The new center is expected to open at the beginning of April 2022 and will house our ARTS program which includes ABA, Occupational, Speech, and Physical Therapies. These therapy services are also available in our current building for those not enrolled in our ARTS program. Our medical staff will continue to practice out of our current building along with HBOT and Neurofeedback Therapy, although HBOT will be adding three additional chambers.

 The new center will have a village where children with Autism will be able to learn in real-life situations. The village will include a gift store, coffee shop, bakery, salon, bank kiosk, and much more. The village will also have sidewalks and curbs to help children with autism learn behavior appropriate for different environments. The sidewalks are in, and the road will be poured soon!

 The village will not only be utilized by our ARTS program, but Oxford Recovery Center has also created a therapeutic vocational training program for young adults with autism. This revolutionary program will help them learn the behaviors they need to be successful in the workplace.

 Introducing COMPASS TVT (Creating Opportunities, Maximizing Potential, and Achieving Successful Skills through Therapeutic Vocational Training), a therapeutic vocational therapy program for young adults with autism who have graduated high school or earned a college degree. Young adults with autism often struggle to be successful in the workplace due to difficulties from a behavioral aspect. COMPASS TVT is not a traditional vocational program for young adults with autism, rather it addresses behavior skills needed to be successful in the workforce.

 The COMPASS TVT program will help young adults with autism develop proper behavior while exposing them to different situations in a real work environment. They will be able to use the stores in The Village of ORC (that is within the new center) to master the skills, along with opportunity to transition to a job of their interest.

 We believe young adults with autism deserve the best! That is why we are so excited to offer COMPASS to young adults in our community.

LINK to VIDEO Update

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

May / June 2021 Newsletter

We Are Growing!

Saying Oxford Recovery Center is growing is a bit of an understatement! When Oxford Recovery Center moved into our 32,000 square foot Brighton campus from our 1,800 square foot facility in South Lyon, we never thought we would outgrow the space. Two years later, we are busting at the seams. We have broken ground on a 35,000 square foot expansion to our main Brighton facility that will more than double our space!

In 2020, we started leasing an extra suite for our Troy facility. The 5,000 square foot addition provides much-needed space for our growing ARTS™ autism services program, as well as space for our speech and occupational therapy areas.

Next, 6,500 square feet of space was completed inside our main Brighton facility. The expanded space features new, state-of-the-art physical therapy rooms equipped with universal exercise units, pilates reformers, and TheraSuit™ Intensive Therapy. We also add a Solo-Step Tracking System and were told by the installers that it is second in size only to Harvard Medical School. The system aids in balance and prevents patients from falling. It allows our staff to concentrate on therapeutic activity without worrying about the patient’s safety. In the new space, occupational therapy rooms, a staff area, and a multi-functional room were also added.

In early 2021, we further renovated our campus on Fieldcrest, adding over 3,000 square feet of usable space for our ARTS™ programs. Located next to Island Lake State Park, the Fieldcrest campus houses our Camp ABA and ABA Academy programs.

On May 17th, we broke ground on a 35,000 square foot expansion to our main Brighton facility. The expansion is designed for new, unique autism programs unlike any in the country!

“We are excited about the new construction,” says our Founder and CEO, Dr. Tami Peterson. “It will allow us to offer innovative programs and services needed by many in the autism community.”

Stay tuned for weekly emails with construction updates!

March / April 2021 Newsletter

Reverse the Effects of Aging with HBOT

A new research study shows that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can reverse the effects of aging. An Israeli doctor, Dr. Shai Efrati, with Tel Aviv University recently released a study in which he found the effects of HBOT can target aging and reverse it at the cellular level. The effects of HBOT can be regenerative in the aging process and wellness of the body.

In addition, HBOT can increase blood flow, reduce inflammation and pain, increase collagen and stem cell circulation, boost your immune system, restore your gut health, and so much more.

Listen to our CEO and Founder, Dr. Tami Peterson, discusses Dr. Efrati’s study and The Oxford Center’s approach to aging in this “Where Healing Begins” interview on WJR Radio.

Deep Dive Into Neurofeedback

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a way to retrain the brain. Using a device that looks like a swimming cap (pictured), we are able to measure your brain waves, see what your brain is doing wrong, and tell your brain how to retrain itself and bring back cognitive balance in a relaxing, enjoyable way.

Neurofeedback can help you achieve optimal brain function for balance and wellness.

What conditions does it help?

Neurofeedback can improve a range of cognitive issues such as dyslexia, memory loss, speech impairment, ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and more. Neurofeedback can also target symptoms within specific conditions such as post-stroke, autism, head-injuries (i.e. concussions), and others.

How can it help me?

This is a great question, but the answer is specific to every individual patient we treat. We start the program by mapping your brain with a qEEG. This map helps our Neurofeedback technicians target the symptoms or conditions in your brain that they can treat. Then, Neurofeedback sessions are scheduled to start the training process.

How do I get started?

Call our office at (248) 486-3636 and schedule a FREE Discovery Session.

If you are a previous or current patient, call us and we can discuss options and scheduling appointments with you. 

Oxford Kids Foundation Virtual Fundraising Auction

Brought to you by ABC Technologies & Todd Sheppelman and Brivar Construction Company.

Join us again this year for a Virtual Fundraising Auction benefitting children in need of life-changing therapies not covered by insurance.

Registration on the auction site is open now. Bidding will begin on Friday, April 16th at 10 a.m. and end on Saturday, April 24th at 8 p.m.

We will start previewing items soon, so stay tuned for details to come!

April is Autism Awareness Month

World Autism Awareness Month is dedicated to recognizing and continuing efforts to spread awareness, promote acceptance, and ignite change in relation to patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

 

What is ARTS?

The Oxford Center’s Autism Recovery Thru Synergy program, also known as ARTS,  is a groundbreaking program that provides multiple therapies and services to children with autism. We combine a unique approach to ABA Therapy with Speech, Physical, Occupational, and other therapies so our clients get the most out of their programs. Every child’s program is uniquely built for their needs.

In addition, our medical approach to autism therapy is unique and unlike any other approach. We provide a therapeutic learning environment that is fun for our kids, including play time in a gym, art and music lessons, social opportunities with their peers, and more.

Our kids are a part of our The Oxford Center family. 

How do I get started?

Call our office at (248) 486-3636 to learn more and schedule a FREE Discovery Session.

If you are a previous or current patient, call us and we can discuss options and scheduling appointments with you. 

Our Approach: Synergy

At The Oxford Center, our approach to therapy and recovery makes us different.

Most people do not have the ability to receive all of their services (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, etc.) under the same roof.

But our patients do.

Not only do we take a more holistic, alternative approach in many of our services, we also encourage our employees to work with each other and talk to each other for the benefit of the patient and their recovery. We’ve seen AMAZING healing happen because we focus on helping our patients in a synergistic way.

January / February 2021 Newsletter

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Amazing Healing is Happening at The Oxford Center

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We are so grateful to be able to share the stories of healing and hope that our patients share with us.

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Aly’s Journey with a Brain Tumor, Migraines, & a Concussion

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Aly was five years old when she was diagnosed with brain stem glioma, a condition in which tumor cells grow in the tissues of the brain stem. Surgery wasn’t an option as it would have left Aly unable to walk, talk, or normally function. Aly’s parents opted out of traditional chemo and radiation treatments for the tumor, and instead opted into anti-neoplasms to treat Aly’s tumor. Anti-neoplasms were given as an oral tablet and would only shrink the tumor, not get rid of it. However, the treatment worked and allowed Aly to grow into a healthy young adult. 

In her early twenties, Aly started experiencing daily headaches and intermittent migraines. The moment she would open her eyes, she would feel the headache. She knew that if the headache didn’t go away within 20 or 30 minutes, it would last all day. About 3-4 days a week, Aly would also experience intense migraines. She described them as the kind of migraine that left her alone in a dark room with no sounds, no lights, in the fetal position, and praying to God for the pain to end. She was missing work and college classes constantly and knew that these headaches and migraines were destroying her life. 

She tried oral pharmaceuticals and injections, she tried magnesium supplements, she tried a homeopathic ear sucker to equalize pressure, she tried hot compresses, she tried hormonal treatments—nothing helped. She went to 10-12 neurologists and none of them were able to help her alleviate or eliminate the headaches and migraines. She knew she couldn’t keep taking more and more medications to try to fix the problems she was having. 

Aly eventually decided to try Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), as it was the most natural treatment method she had found. Within her first two weeks of treatment, she noticed the headaches weren’t as frequent, but she was still experiencing the migraines. But by her 40th HBOT treatment, Aly had been headache and migraine-free for almost 3 weeks.

Soon after completing her 40th HBOT treatment, Aly suffered a concussion. She had the typical concussion symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and memory loss. She even said she would be in the middle of a conversation and unknowingly stop talking and forget what the conversation was even about. She had had concussions before and was familiar with the symptoms and said they would usually last about 2-3 weeks after the injury. 

Nonetheless, Aly did another 7 HBOT treatments after the concussion to try to reverse the effects and alleviate the symptoms. By the end of the 7th treatment, the concussion symptoms were completely gone. No more sudden memory loss, dizziness, or nausea, and no headaches. She was amazed by the turnaround, and couldn’t believe how HBOT treated the concussion so quickly and thoroughly. 

Now, more than two months have passed since Aly’s last HBOT treatment. She describes HBOT as her saving grace. She doesn’t have to wake up every day wondering what she is going to have to deal with that day. She has not had a single headache or migraine. She has no lasting effects of the concussion. She told us that HBOT changed her life, and she now advocates to anyone with health issues to try HBOT, because it could also change their lives for the better. 

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Learn more about Oxford’s innovative Camp ABA program, an alternative to traditional learning and public school for children with autism and special needs. 

Call us today at (248) 486-3636 for more information or to schedule a Discovery Session so your child can join in on the fun at Camp ABA! 

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Hi! My name is Jenna Silverstein and I am so excited to be working as your child’s teacher this year. I graduated from Michigan State in Special Education in 2016. I then did my student teaching year at Livonia Public Schools, where I taught 4th grade general education, and elementary and high school Special Education. I then went on to work as a Behavior Technician at Michigan State and the Kalamazoo Autism Center. I completed my masters program at Western Michigan University. I studied Special Education with a focus in behavior analysis. I am currently a BCBA and a certified ASD and LD Special Education teacher.

When I’m not working hard in the classroom, you can find me cheering on the Spartans at both Michigan State football and basketball games. My family is also very important to me. I am from Novi, Michigan and love spending time with my family, dog, and new puppy.

I can’t wait to go on a learning adventure this year! Thank you so much for allowing me to educate your child!

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Therapy Spotlight: Occupational Therapy

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What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy targets a client’s occupations and how they may be impacted by their symptoms and condition.

Occupations for a child consist of play, school, and simple activities of daily living such as brushing teeth, getting self-dressed, home management, etc. 

Occupations for adults may include leisure activities, working, meal prep, money management, etc. 

Everyone has occupations, and occupational therapists are specialized in looking at the client in a holistic manner to determine a client-centered treatment regimen to develop new skills or regain lost skills in order to promote improved independence in occupations that occur in daily life. 

Benefits: 

  • Improves balance 
  • Sharpens coordination skills 
  • Manages pain 
  • Increases participation in everyday activities 
  • Improves strength and range of motion 
  • Targets and overcomes involuntary reflexes 
  • Maintains and rebuilds functional independence 
  • Promotes sensory and emotional regulation 
  • Achieves developmental milestones 
  • Achieves personal goals 
  • Increases body awareness 
  • And more!

In short, an occupational therapist can help individuals live life to its fullest.  

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How do I get started?

Call our office at (248) 486-3636 to learn more and schedule a FREE Discovery Session.

If you are a previous or current patient, call us and we can discuss options and scheduling appointments with you.  

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foods affect your heath

Nutrition for Better Behavior in Children and Teens

Food choices influence behavior, mood, and academic performance. Summer is a great time to establish healthy eating habits which can lead to a happier vacation season and more productive school year.

It is important for children to know what to eat, what not to eat, and why some foods that seem healthy may not be healthy. While consumption of sugary foods has long been associated with hyperactivity, we now know that food selection also contributes to a child’s ability to focus attention, inhibit impulsive behaviors, analyze information, regulate emotional responses, and solve problems.

Food is one of the most important gifts we give our bodies. Choosing well is empowering and makes the body a healing machine. When parents facilitate healthy eating, they equip children with the knowledge and skills needed to create a foundation of optimal health.

Eliminating Foods that Cause Bad Behavior and Adversely Affect Mood

Studies suggest that certain ingredients, particularly those found in processed foods, are triggering behavioral problems in children. With 90% of the average American’s food budget going towards processed foods and the astounding spike in behavioral and mood disorders, changing the diet is the logical first step to addressing problem behaviors.

Artificial Colors

Over the past 50 years, chemical dyes in foods increased 500%. Three dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6) make up 90% of the market. These dyes are found in cereal, toothpaste, applesauce, cough syrup, candy, ice cream, drinks, and more. Food color consumption can lead to meltdowns, aggression, and mood swings. Studies dating to the seventies show that removing dyes from a child’s diet has a profound effect. Read labels and remove all foods and drinks that contain artificial colors and flavors.

Artificial Sweeteners

Aspartame has been linked to an array of emotional and behavioral disorders. High levels of aspartame can alter serotonin levels, which can lead to behavioral problems, anxiety, and other emotional disorders.

MSG

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is an excitotoxin, a type of neurotoxin that over-stimulates brain cells. It has profound effects on the mood and behavior. MSG is found in most fast foods as well as processed meats, frozen meals, soup mixes, salad dressings, and many other processed foods. MSG may appear on ingredient labels as hydrolyzed protein, autolyzed yeast, or sodium caseinate.

Gluten

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats. Gluten tends to be poorly digested in the gut, causing an inflammatory response that influences brain function. Gluten breaks down into peptides that can pass through imperfections in damaged intestinal tracts (leaky guts) and affect the brain. The shape of gliadinomorphin (the peptide resulting from the breakdown of gluten) fits into receptors in the brain that trigger abnormal moods and behaviors. These receptors are referred to as opiate receptors because they are the same receptors that interact with opioids like morphine.  

Eating for Better Behavior and Brain Balance

There is no one diet that is best for everyone, but a real-food, nutrient-dense paleo diet is an excellent place to start to ensure kids get the right nutrition. Children and teens need to eat plenty of vegetables, clean protein, healthy fat, and some fruit for optimal brain health.

Breakfast

A breakfast that includes protein, fat, and vegetables is the ideal way to start the day for most children. An excellent option is a scramble or omelet made with eggs from pasture-raised chickens and lots of vegetables (i.e., onions, artichokes, and spinach) and half an avocado. Children who eat a high-protein breakfast are less likely to be overweight, achieve better test scores, and perform better athletically. Conversely, a high-carbohydrate breakfast (pancakes, cereals, French Toast) makes the child feel mentally foggy and can lead to undesirable behavior soon after as sugar levels soar, then crash.

Lunch and Dinner

The bounty of the growing season offers plenty of opportunities for discovering new foods and new ways of eating familiar items. Take children shopping at the Farmers’ Market. Encourage them to pick a new fruit or vegetable to try. Grow vegetables or herbs in your garden or on your windowsill. Incorporate the fresh vegetables you buy into salads and stir-fries, or simply rinse and eat.

When you plan meals, aim to make 75% of the plate vegetables. If necessary, sneak veggies into foods. Chopped spinach or kale can be mixed into meatballs or meatloaf. Soups prepared with homemade bone broth make excellent lunches and dinners.

Healthy Snack Ideas

We can make fruit and vegetables more desirable to children with a little preparation.

  • Cut celery, carrots, cucumbers, radishes, peppers (and any other vegetable) into sticks or slices and serve with a creamy dip. It is easy to prepare one at home by mixing 1/2 cup mayo (choose one made with avocado oil) + 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk (it won’t taste like coconut) + salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and herbs of choice.
  • Apples slices are extra-yummy with a bit of almond butter or sunflower seed butter. And the fat and protein are good for the brain and body.
  • Puree berries with a bit of 100% maple syrup and pour into popsicle molds. Freeze and serve healthy frozen treats. Full-fat coconut milk may be added for a creamy treat.
  • Cut melon into wedges or cubes.
  • Freeze grapes or berries for a change of texture.

After changing diet, improvements (often dramatic) in physical and psychological health result. Start where you are, and eliminate an unhealthy food or ingredient each week. At the same time, add vegetables to every meal, incorporate healthy snacks, and continue to add new foods. Enjoy the journey!

Vince’s Concussion Story

Vince, a 38-year-old dad from Northville, has faced the challenging consequences of two concussions. Both incidents significantly impacted his ability to carry out daily tasks. Vince’s journey to recovery began in May 2017, shortly after his first concussion, sustained during a hockey game. Just over a week after the injury, he realized the symptoms were too severe to ignore. Struggling with dizziness, fogginess, and slow thought processes, Vince recalled hearing about The Oxford Center’s hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the radio. Desperate for relief, he decided to give it a try, hoping it would help his brain heal.

His decision proved to be life-changing. The hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilitated his recovery, allowing him to resume his normal life. However, 14 months later, Vince experienced a second concussion while riding a jet ski. This time, the injury was more severe and required a greater number of hyperbaric oxygen treatments.

Reflecting on his second concussion, Vince says, “I wish I would have taken it more seriously the first time.” The symptoms, including difficulty speaking and processing thoughts, were debilitating. “I couldn’t talk very well. I couldn’t get a thought out. I would process things in my head, but then they wouldn’t reach my lips. I felt lazy and unable to function.”

After his first concussion, Vince initially went to the hospital but was sent home with a diagnosis of dehydration and no mention of a concussion. This experience deterred him from seeking hospital care after his second injury. Instead, he turned to The Oxford Center on his own initiative, understanding the critical need for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. “Most doctors don’t know about it or would use it for other injuries or illnesses, not concussions. The studies show it works wonderfully for head injuries, perhaps better than anything else. The brain needs oxygen,” Vince explains.

The second concussion, which occurred in July 2018, had a long-lasting impact. “I didn’t feel like myself until December 2018 or January 2019. It takes a long time to recover.”

Concussions are not just Vince’s story; they are a common concern. Vince recounts an incident involving his daughter, who was hit in the forehead with a baseball bat. Despite receiving staples and painkillers at the emergency room, the possibility of a concussion was downplayed. Recognizing the signs, Vince brought her to The Oxford Center the next morning. “She was knocked out, there was clearly something not right. It took about 20 treatments to get her healthy and back to normal.”

Vince continues to visit The Oxford Center for maintenance treatments to ensure his ongoing health. “The people are great. All the techs in the chamber room are wonderful, and everyone really is around here. It is a very calming environment, and when I go there, I love to just relax. It’s kinda like the relaxation time for the day.” Vince credits The Oxford Center with his complete healing. “Without it, I would just continue to struggle. It gives your body what it needs to completely heal itself.”

Today, Vince enjoys playing baseball with his son and chasing his daughter on her bike, treasuring those happy moments. His final advice is clear: “Take concussions very seriously. They are not something to joke around about. I mean, I can’t even watch college football in the fall anymore. Seeing these crushing blows and wondering, ‘Did that guy just get a concussion?’ They just keep going, week after week. You have to make sure that you get healed before you go back out there and do it again.”

Vince’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of proper concussion treatment and the life-changing benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy at The Oxford Center.

How to Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

In the span of ten days between the end of January and beginning of February, temperatures in southeast Michigan swung from -30°F to 55°F, then back to 0°F. Scratchy throats, stomach bugs, and runny noses soon set in for area residents. Natural health remedies can help.

Many people notice that they get sick in the wake of dramatic temperatures changes. This intuitive knowing is confirmed by scientific studies that demonstrate that flu epidemics almost always follow a drop in air humidity. Cold weather also means more indoor activities, with people cooped up inside and germs more likely to spread.

An optimally functioning immune system (a collection of structures and processes within the body) is the body’s best defense against colds and flu. Healthy lifestyle choices are essential for maintaining well-being in a world where environmental toxins and emotional stressors conspire to weaken immunity.

Lifestyle Choices for Boosting Immunity Naturally

Avoid Toxins

Toxic chemicals and electromagnetic radiation impair immune function. It is impossible to avoid all toxins, so it is important to limit exposure wherever possible.

Three easy tips for reducing toxic load:

  1. Choose organically grown produce and pasture-raised meat for your family.  
  2. Use natural cleaning products, such as baking soda and vinegar, in place of toxic cleaners.
  3. Turn off all devices and routers at night.

Choose Nutrient-Dense Foods

Refined, processed, and sugary foods lower immunity. A paleo diet with plenty of vegetables, plus some high-quality proteins and fats, will support tissue repair and create healthy immune cells.

Three easy tips for adding immune-building foods to your diet:

  1. Add onions and mushrooms to your breakfast scramble.
  2. Make a big pot of bone-broth based soup with lots of herbs, garlic, and ginger, and eat it often.
  3. Consume naturally fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and plain yogurt.

Stretch and Move

Regular exercise increases immune function. Moderate exercise increases white blood cells and makes them more active and effective. However, excessive exercise, such as running a marathon, temporarily hinders immune function. Aim for 20 – 30 minutes of exercise most days. If you are already sick, it’s best to wait to exercise until you feel well.

Three easy tips for moving to boost immune function:

  1. Walk outside for 20 minutes.
  2. Do two 10-minute sessions of exercises that stimulate the lymphatic system, such as squats, marching in place, or jumping on a trampoline.
  3. Practice yoga or qi gong — or simply stretch your body as feels good to you.

Reduce Stress

Depression, anxiety, and emotional stress stimulate the secretion of adrenal hormones, which suppress the activity of the thymus gland and white blood cells. Even the best food choices and exercise habits cannot overcome the effects of constant stress on your body.

Three easy tips for stress reduction:

  1. Slow down and notice your breath. Just three long, conscious breaths will noticeably reduce stress in your body. (Try it now.)
  2. Get a massage. Take a class. Have dinner with a friend. Or do whatever brings you joy for at least an hour each week.
  3. Write in a journal. Writing about stressful incidents and situations improves immune function. And making a list of everything that’s good in your life can shift your spirits.

Sleep More

Deep, consistent sleep is essential for optimal immune function. If you’re not in bed early enough and long enough, your body is unable to detoxify the day’s buildup of mental and physical stresses. During deep, restful sleep, the body releases immune-enhancing compounds and produces disease-fighting white blood cells.

Three easy tips for better sleep:

  1. Eat your last meal of the day by 6:00 p.m., or at least three hours before bedtime.
  2. Turn off cell phones, tablets, and routers an hour before bed, and read, meditate, or talk to your loved ones.
  3. Go to bed at the same time every night.

Support Immune Function with Master Tonic

Master Tonic, sometimes called Fire Cider, is an excellent food-based immune system builder. Anecdotal reports give Master Tonic credit for minimizing symptoms and duration of colds and flu (and for preventing these common ailments when the tonic is taken regularly), for improving a spectrum of digestive health issues, and for boosting energy levels and mood.

A basic recipe follows. Some people like to add their favorite immune-boosting herbs, such as echinacea, to the mix. Some add turmeric with the other roots. While a blender may be used to chop the roots, I recommend hand-chopping as pureeing produces a cloudy, unappealing liquid.

Ingredients

  • 1 part chopped garlic cloves
  • 1 part chopped white onions, or the hottest onions available
  • 1 part grated ginger root (If pregnant, omit ginger)
  • 1 part grated horseradish root
  • 1 part chopped jalapenos, habaneros, or a combination of the hottest peppers available

Preparation

Fill a glass jar 3/4 of the way full with equal parts of the freshly chopped or grated ingredients. Cover completely with raw apple cider vinegar. Let sit in a cool, dark spot for two weeks. Strain liquids from solids after steeping.

Solids may used in salad dressings or marinades, added to bone broth, or discarded.

Master Tonic lasts indefinitely at room temperature, after straining.

Usage

Master Tonic spicy, potent, and aromatic. An easy way to take a dose (1 – 2 ounces) is to put it in a shot glass and swallow quickly. If you have a sore throat, you may put it in your mouth, swish around, gargle, and swallow. If you’re fighting an infection, take the tonic five to six times per day.

Questions or comments? Suggestions for future posts? Eager to learn how to nourish your body and mind? The Oxford Center’s Nutrition Coach wants to hear from you. Email nicole@theoxfordcenter.com

TOC Talks Episode 10: “Unlocking the Mystery: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Autism”

In this Episode of TOC Talks, Andrew sits down with Dr. Robert Sherwin, MD, who is an Emergency Room Physician and Board Certified in Hyperbaric Medicine with 18 years of clinical research experience! Dr. Sherwin is a self-proclaimed “skeptic” of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and he expresses his surprise when he saw some of the results The Oxford Center has had through HBOT! Tune in as Dr. Sherwin discusses how he was first exposed to HBOT while working as an emergency physician in a hospital and his experience in conducting clinical research trials with Hyperbaric!

Check It Out!

Want to learn more about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Check out what we have to offer! Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy – The Oxford Center

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Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!

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How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help Stroke Recovery

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is the administration of 100% pure oxygen under greater than normal atmospheric pressure. Although it has only recently gained widespread attention in the United States, HBOT has been used for over 100 years. While it was originally developed for the bends, a diving injury caused by air bubbles in the bloodstream, HBOT’s numerous healing effects have since been recognized. HBOT aids in recovery from so many conditions that it has been described as “a therapy in search of diseases.” By pushing higher levels of oxygen deeper into the body’s systems, HBOT has successfully given life back to a wide variety of patients.

Generally speaking, strokes can be classified as either ischemic or hemorrhagic. Approximately 80% of all strokes are ischemic (Grysiewicz et al., 2008). Current studies have shown that both hemorrhage within the brain and primary ischemia can cause a lack of oxygenation and nutritional supply and a series of neurochemical events that lead to spreading brain damage.1  This inhibits nutrients and blood supply from reaching the damaged parts of the brain and has traditionally made healing limited, if not impossible.

How does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy improve patients’ healing? HBOT increases the  dissolved oxygen levels in plasma and can even nourish tissues in the absence of red blood cells.2 HBOT also promotes capillary development throughout the body. These changes bring more oxygen and nutrients to cells in need of healing. Hyperbarics solves one of the root dilemmas of stroke recovery by improving nutrient and oxygen circulation to damaged tissues. This allows patients to focus their efforts on training the body to adapt to its rehabilitated function through programs such as neuro physical therapy and neurofeedback.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can give stroke patients back their lives by improving strength, endurance, balance, coordination, motor skill, verbal skill, and memory recall. These improvements can provide the patient a greater level of independence than before. Additional benefits of HBOT in stroke patients include: improved oxygenation, reduced intracranial pressure, improved metabolic rate of cerebral tissue, and inhibited post-stroke cell apoptosis and necrosis.

If a stroke has left you or a loved one debilitated with a loss of fine motor skills, inability to walk, or brain imbalance, let Oxford Recovery Center conduct a FREE evaluation of your disorders in order to develop a customized recovery plan. Oxford Recovery Center Integrates Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in conjunction with Neuro Physical / Suit Therapies and Neurofeedback Programs to accelerate the development of new motor skills that strengthen muscles and teach the brain and body how to sit, stand and walk again. Call The Oxford Center today at 248-486-3636 to schedule an appointment at their Brighton or Troy, Michigan locations. To learn more about Oxford’s integrative therapy approach for a myriad of physical and neurological disorders visit www.OxfordRecoveryCenter.com. Let your healing begin!

  1. Zhai, Wei-Wei et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Experimental and Clinical Stroke.” Medical Gas Research 6.2 (2016): 111–118. PMC. Web. 15 June 2017.
  2. Lim, J., W K. Lim, T T. Weo, Y Y. Sitoh, and E. Low. “Management of HemorrhageStroke with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.” Singapore Med J, vol. 42, no. 5, 15 June 2001, 220-23.